It’s been ages since we’ve finished a Walt Disney World information roundup, however there are a number of tales that caught my eye and I figured are value sharing in consolidated type. This covers Disney’s inspiring dedication to conservation, palace intrigue about Bob Iger’s CEO succession planning, new shops at Disney Springs, menu additions at DHS, and shock information about Figment going international and making his first look within the worldwide parks.
Let’s begin with Walt Disney World’s latest animal achievements. We don’t usually cowl conservation matters, however it feels like followers may use a few feel-good tales after a tough week of worth will increase, Lightning Lane Premier Go, and different money grabs.
Walt Disney World not too long ago shared that Animal Kingdom is proudly a part of an essential initiative to save lots of the Guam kingfisher, a hen declared extinct within the wild again in 1988. As a part of its Disney Planet Attainable dedication to assist a more healthy planet for folks and wildlife, and after years of collaboration and preparation, two Guam kingfishers have been launched and are actually being monitored within the wild on Palmyra Atoll — a distant island south of Hawaii — an essential step for the way forward for this species.
With the invasive brown tree snake inflicting issues on Guam’s wildlife, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has launched a powerful conservation plan, and Disney is one in every of 9 organizations main the cost. The 2 Guam kingfishers, often known as sihek, that have been launched into the wild have been reared at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Palmyra Atoll is a key distant website for reintroducing these birds to an appropriate habitat. This marks a major step ahead, because it’s the primary time in practically 40 years that the birds will probably be making a return to the wild.
One among Animal Kingdom’s veterinarians has been learning the Guam kingfisher for greater than twenty years, gathering crucial info to assist deliver this hen again to the forests of Guam. This collaborative effort with USFWS, The Nature Conservancy, and different globally acknowledged organizations showcases Disney’s dedication to conservation past its theme parks. You possibly can learn and see extra images of the Guam kingfisher’s comeback on Disney Join.
Shortly earlier than this, Walt Disney World introduced the delivery of child boy Bakso, the latest Sumatran tiger cub at Animal Kingdom! Bakso is just one month previous and is already incomes his stripes by displaying his playfulness and curiosity, whereas mother Sohni spends a lot of her time displaying him plenty of love and affection.
Bakso represents a terrific contribution to a declining tiger inhabitants, with lower than 600 Sumatran tigers left within the wild and managed care. Bakso additionally serves as a beacon of hope for the way forward for this critically endangered species and to all of those that look after these tigers.
These large cats are thought of an “umbrella species.” In technical phrases, conservation efforts to protect these tigers will prolong to different species inside their habitat offering cowl to different key organisms and residing issues throughout the ecosystem.
Utilizing superior expertise, endocrinologists at Animal Kingdom have been capable of monitor the well being of Sohni’s being pregnant up till the delivery. From frequent blood checks to weekly ultrasounds, expert veterinarians ensured that each Bakso and Sohni have been blissful and wholesome. Better of all, Sohni’s keepers monitored her conduct and efficiently skilled her to voluntarily take part in her personal care
Like all Sumatran tiger cubs, Bakso will want his mom’s care till he’s round 18-24 months previous. So the excellent news is that friends will be capable of see child develop alongside mother after they’re each prepared to hitch Maharajah Jungle Trek in a number of months.
Personally, I like tales like this. They’re a pleasant reminder of the great that Disney does, how there are extremely proficient and passionate Forged Members who attempt to make a distinction, and that Animal Kingdom actually is greater than a theme park. I can’t wait to see Child Bakso, and I do know one other child who loves cats (albeit of the family selection) who will like to make the acquaintance of this Sumatran tiger cub!
In virtually the exact opposite finish of the Disney information spectrum, the Wrap is reporting that, in response to a person with information of present Disney CEO Bob Iger’s pondering, the race for his successor is narrowing on an govt from Disney’s inventive ranks. This implies the co-chairs of Disney Leisure, Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, have the early lead. The report signifies that Walden is “clearly” within the main place, and factors out that she could be Disney’s first feminine CEO within the firm’s 101-year historical past.
The report additionally signifies that former executives Tom Staggs and Kevin Mayer will not be seen as succession candidates for the highest job, even after the duo returned to Disney final 12 months as consultants with Candle Media (considered an acquisition goal for Disney). Iger has incessantly said that his successor would must be somebody steeped in Disney’s inventive and storytelling basis.
Only one week in the past, we supplied commentary about succession planning in Bob Iger’s Alternative as New Disney CEO Will Be Introduced in 2026, so I’m not going to rehash that each one right here. As a lot as this subject and the encompassing palace intrigue fascinates me, I’ve gotten the impression that 95% of readers don’t care.
Suffice to say, I don’t know sufficient about Walden or Bergman to have an opinion on them, however I can’t say I’m particularly stunned that the successor would come from the studio facet. I’d simply actually want somebody from Parks & Resorts. What I actually hate is when trade and commerce journals act like Bob Chapek was a ‘parks man’ and tapping one other to be CEO could be repeating that very same mistake. Chapek was a client merchandise man! He grew to become head of Parks & Resorts, certain, however that was by no means his factor till the stint there earlier than changing into CEO.
Switching gears, Hawaiian islands-inspired footwear model, OluKai, is about to open a brand new store at Walt Disney World, taking up the previous Sanuk location in Disney Springs. (Oh yeah, in different information, Sanuk closed completely a pair months in the past after a decade.)
The storefront is positioned in The Touchdown part of Disney Springs. This will probably be OluKai’s first retailer in Florida, and solely their third exterior of Hawaii, after a few places opened in Southern California comparatively not too long ago.
Talking of Disney Springs, Pura Vida opened a storefront there earlier this month. Opposite to some misconceptions (specifically mine), Pura Vida just isn’t a water firm. It’s a way of life model recognized for handmade bracelets, equipment, and that kind of stuff. In any case, Pura Vida is positioned within the City Middle of Disney Springs, taking up the storefront beforehand occupied by Melissa Footwear, close to Anthropologie.
In different sneakers information, Brooks Operating is now the official operating shoe of runDisney. Brooks and Disney have entered into a brand new multi-year collaboration that can embody Brooks creating Disney-themed trainers.
Because the official operating shoe for runDisney, Brooks will supply sneakers and supply official race shirts at runDisney race weekends beginning with an upcoming 2025 runDisney race. On the identical time, Brooks will create Disney-themed trainers that includes widespread Disney characters. Beginning in 2026, Brooks will design Brooks jackets for Membership runDisney members.
Although I’ve no intentions of doing one other runDisney race anytime quickly, I’m oddly enthusiastic about this. Brooks has turn into my go-to shoe, and I’m a sucker for the inventive designs they produce. It’s in all probability an enormous quantity of wishful pondering, however I’d like to see a Christmas collaboration (Brooks already does ‘ugly’ Christmas sneakers which might be superb) between Brooks and Disney.
Talking of which, each Brooks and OluKai make our checklist of the Finest Footwear for Walt Disney World.
In resort information, Disney Parks simply introduced by way of Instagram that the Haunted Mansion soundscape is now obtainable on “Hey Disney!” units in all Walt Disney World lodge rooms.
I like this information, even whether it is a few month too late for me to get pleasure from this throughout my Halloween season stays. As I shared in a latest reassessment of “Hey Disney!” at Walt Disney World, the soundscapes are far and away my favourite function and have given me a brand new appreciation of the much-maligned machine.
Whereas I’m certain this Haunted Mansion soundscape is nice, what I’d actually love is extra being there choices like the 2 present ‘within the park’ choices. These are improbable–extremely calming and transportive.
In meals information, Walt Disney World introduced the addition of recent menu objects at Hollywood Studios, all of which are actually obtainable:
Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant:
- Beamed-Up Burger with Fries: Two-pressed signature-blend patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, jalapeño-bourbon-bacon jam, and house-made burger sauce on a brioche bun
- Prime Rib Sandwich: Toasted hoagie roll stuffed with shaved prime rib, provolone cheese, home made gardienare, arugula, and a facet of au jus
Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano:
- Mama’s Pasta with Shrimp: Three-cheese sauce, sauteed kale, cavatappi, roasted butternut squash, and wild mushroom
- Tuscan White Bean Purée: Roasted garlic and eggplant, contemporary herbs, and chili oil (plant-based)
- Braised Wagyu Beef on Orecchiette: Pink wine-braised wagyu beef, dried cherries, and pink peppercorn
That is the second spherical of menu additions at Mama Melrose this 12 months, and by most accounts, the refresh has been well-received. We haven’t had an opportunity to attempt Mama Melrose’s new dishes but and, actually, it’s not precisely excessive precedence. There are such a lot of well-themed and mawkish spots we love at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Mama Melrose simply isn’t one in every of them for us.
As for Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, even assuming the easiest about these additions, extra continues to be wanted. We completely love Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, however it’s nonetheless caught in phased reopening mode with a restricted burger/sandwich solely menu. It’d be good to see the pastas, steaks, and different mid-tier objects return. The Salmon BLT making a comeback wouldn’t harm, both.
Lastly, a 5 alarm FIGMENT ALERT. Above is a video shared on social media…by Shanghai Disneyland.
Right here’s the caption: “Figment alert!
Figment merchandise are actually obtainable at Shanghai Disney Resort! Come and luxuriate in scrumptious treats with this cute companion by your facet. With only a faucet away in your telephone, let this cute purple dragon “soften” your coronary heart together with his irresistible cuteness!”
Now, chances are you’ll not suppose it’s noteworthy that Figment has flown internationally and is now showing at Shanghai Disneyland. Maybe it’s simply overstock merchandise from EPCOT. This wouldn’t be the primary time that’s occurred, albeit within the different route, with Shanghai sending over a ton of unsold ‘grand opening’ merchandise from the park a number of years again (and massively marking up costs within the course of).
We’ve seen this film earlier than, although.
Though mostly related to Tokyo DisneySea, this can be a transfer straight out of the ‘Duffy Playbook’ used for Disney’s different worldwide parks and Aulani. As Duffy’s circle of associates expanded within the late 2010s, Disney began introducing the characters at Disneyland Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Shanghai Disneyland, and Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
This was lengthy after the characters made appearances at Walt Disney World and Disneyland, together with an enormous merchandising push. That had lengthy been deserted and Tokyo Disney Resort had revitalized curiosity in Duffy and associates by this level, particularly among the many Japanese–however Disney followers around the globe additionally more and more took discover.
The introduction of Duffy and associates on the worldwide resorts, particularly these in Asia and Aulani, was partly aimed toward locals and partly at Japanese vacationers. Hong Kong Disneyland, specifically, had been struggling. Merchandise sat on cabinets. It was stunning simply how sharp of a distinction this was to Tokyo Disney Resort, although we considered the HKDL merchandise as actually good. In any case, Duffy and associates modified all of that. The little bear has been a merchandising machine–and grown into much more than that–for Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Attempting to check whether or not that can work once more is probably going why Figment goes international and ‘randomly’ has merchandise at Shanghai Disneyland. It’s in all probability not random in any respect–it’s to see if Disney can work merchandising magic once more with one other authentic character.
I don’t faux to have any insights as as to if this can work. Shanghai Disneyland has turn into a blind spot for me, and the extent to which it’s cultivated sufficient of an area Disney fanbase that’s educated about Figment is unclear. Possibly he’ll be embraced for his international attraction and cuteness, or possibly Figment will flop. I do not know. I think it’s not the identical as importing Duffy, which got here with a built-in Asian fanbase. In contrast to that, I’m guessing diehard EPCOT Middle followers received’t be reserving journeys to China.
However, my greatest hope is that this can be a large success, and Figment is a fan-favorite of Chinese language friends. That he will get new and unique product traces, and that Shanghai Disney Resort makes an attempt what Walt Disney World has declined to do: revitalize the character. And I say this as somebody with no plans to go to mainland China once more anytime quickly, so it’s not like I’d personally be capable of get pleasure from any of this.
My motivations are nonetheless egocentric, although, simply so we’re clear. If Figment proves fruitful in Shanghai, he’ll in all probability find yourself in Hong Kong and presumably Paris. Possibly Tokyo Disney Resort and Aulani after that. And we’ll go to all of these locations. The extra profitable Figment is, the extra possible it’s that he finally ends up with a meet & greet, stage present, or maybe one thing much more formidable in a type of locations. I see what HKDL has finished with Duffy, and it’s arguably the vacation spot for that household of characters now.
Whereas I don’t need Figment’s new dwelling base to be a park in Asia, France, or Hawaii, at this level I’m open to something that will increase his recognition and visibility. If there have been any justice on this planet, we might’ve had Journey into Creativeness 4.0 a full decade in the past. As a substitute, Disney simply revealed its 5-year plan for Walt Disney World, and there’s completely nothing within the playing cards for Figment (or a lot in any respect in EPCOT, for that matter).
From my perspective, this can be a mistake. I’m not going to rehash why that’s but once more, however suffice to say, it simply is sensible to reimagine Journey into Creativeness. (Learn that for my full pitch.)
Finally, my perspective on this is kind of the identical it’s been with all the different little Figment issues over the past a number of years. If Figment’s recognition endures, that’s solely an excellent factor for his longevity and future prospects. Even with Inside Out 2 doing gangbusters on the field workplace, I think the latest merchandising success has ‘saved’ Figment’s place within the Creativeness pavilion.
If the worldwide parks can improve Figment’s international recognition or deliver one thing substantively new to the desk, I’m all for it. Hong Kong Disneyland is already dwelling to a Journey into Creativeness religious successor of types in Mystic Manor–maybe that park may find yourself being the one to construct Journey into Creativeness 4.0. It appears unlikely, however it additionally appeared unlikely that Walt Disney World would sit on its palms so lengthy with the fan-favorite character. Stranger issues have occurred.
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Your Ideas
What do you consider the matters lined on this Walt Disney World information roundup? Would you prefer to see extra condensed information articles or recaps like this? Ideas on Animal Kingdom’s conservation successes? The corporate’s succession planning? Figment going international, or anything? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Any questions we may also help you reply? Listening to your suggestions–even whenever you disagree with us–is each fascinating to us and useful to different readers, so please share your ideas beneath within the feedback!
